Virginia creeper is a deciduous, woody vine that climbs vigorously. Attaching to walls and other surfaces with adhesive disks, handsome, five-fingered leaves emerge purplish in spring, mature to green in summer and change to purple or crimson-red in fall. Clusters of small green-white flowers give rise to dark blue or black berries, which are a bountiful source of food for migrating songbirds in late summer and early fall. Attracts chickadees, nuthatches, mockingbirds, catbirds, finches, flycatchers, tanagers, swallows, vireos, warblers, woodpeckers, and thrushes. A larval host for several species of sphinx moths.

Benefits

Good source of berries for birds in late summer and early fall

Provides cover and nesting sites for a variety of birds

Larval food for a number of hawk moths

Good fall color

Fast grower adapted to a wide variety of conditions

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Easy to grow in full sun to part shade. Tolerates full shade and a wide range of soil and environmental conditions. Attaches by to flat surfaces (e.g., brick, stone or wood walls) by adhesive disks. May also be grown on the ground to cover old stumps, rock piles or other eyesores or for erosion control on slopes.

Height40-50 Feet

Spread40-50 Feet

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-9

Native Range

Woods and clearings: Maine to Ohio and Nebraska south to Texas and Florida.

Native Trivia

Before setting out birdhouses, find out which species of cavity nesting birds are common in your area. Make or buy a birdhouse specifically designed for the bird you wish to attract. The size of the entrance hole is critical to prevent the eggs and young from being destroyed by larger birds and other preditors.